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2007 Ford Edge SEL AWD Road Test

We had the Ford Edge for a couple weeks, and everyone in the office wasimpressed by its driving dynamics, which put it ahead of many in the crossover segment, and miles ahead of Ford's and other companies' SUVs. Everything else was a mixed bag, particularly the interior, which sports very nice leather but is finished with uninspiring plastics. However, its styling, dynamics and advanced powertrain should be enough to put the Edge on many peoples' shopping lists, and Ford's widespread dealer network will help put it in driveways from Maine to California.

Steven: Ford is calling the Edge a “game changer” because they hope it will turn their fortunes around since the company's recent financial issues have been overshadowing

We like the Edge. It's a good kind of different. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

its products. In a “hey we're going to turn things around” nod, the Edge's front end wears a Ford badge the size of a Texan F-150 owner's belt buckle quite proudly. It's an attractive design but not quite as groundbreaking as Ford would have us believe.

I conveniently ran into a Ford salesperson while out grocery shopping, and he inquired as to how I liked my Edge. I explained

But they haven't gotten rid of the unsightly number-pad on the door. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

that it wasn't mine and why I was driving it. He replied that his dealership is selling every one they can, especially in my tester's Blazing Copper orange color (Jonathan: Nice!). It is very roomy inside and there is a lot of cargo room under the rear hatch. My tester also featured the $195 SIRIUS satellite radio.

Something that did irk me, though, was that on the top of the navigation screen there is more than enough room for the artist/song

With such a deep cargo bay, Ford took the liberty of installing power-folding rear seats. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press

information/text, but I simply couldn't find a way to make it scroll or show anything other than the SIRIUS station I was listening to. This made it a pain so that if I wanted to see who the artist was or what the song title was I would have to change screens. I also never got used to the wiper stalk being on the left side of the steering column with the turn signal switch.

Some cost cutting measures are evident, such as auto down on the windows but noauto up, a power lower seat cushion but manual for recline, as

Armrest console is deep and divided. It's perfect for storing those extra cell phones and cameras... (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

well as some hard plastics throughout the interior, as was previously mentioned.

These are all minor issues and the Edge is fantastic value for the money. On the road it's smooth and quiet and the ride is excellent. Even though a 6-speed automatic is standard I found fuel economy to be a bit on the thirsty side, and the best I averaged was 18 mpg. A vehicle such as the Edge would be a natural fit for a small diesel engine to take the average well over 24 mpg, or perhaps even higher.

Just the same I would opt for an Edge over the heavier, bigger Explorer hands down. Edge pricing

Six-speed automatic is smooth shifting. There is no manual mode, though. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

starts at $25,995 nicely equipped, but most importantly that also includes a full complement of safety features as standard equipment such as ABS brakes, AdvanceTrac traction/dynamic stability control, front,side, and curtain airbags, which are more important than auto up windows or a manual reclining seat.

One of the must-haves on the Edge's option list is the Vista Roof dual sunroof system—gargantuan doesn't even begin to describe it. It let in a flood of natural light and was decently quiet when fully open at speed thanks to the little flycatcher netting that pops up at the front edge of the sunroof opening. I would also opt for the sunroof over the DVD entertainment system,

Dashboard's layout is simple, and easy to use. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

but I am not a big fan of the latter. Sure it might keep the kids quiet but at what cost; kids' attention spans are already short enough and companies seem to want to have them staring at a screen 24/7. I had to stare at the back of my Dad's head and actually talk to my family while on road trips in our old '73 Chevy Biscayne.

Jonathan: For the second time in two months, I found myself with back to back weeksdriving two competitors, which helped give me a real sense of each vehicle's strengths and failings. One was this Edge, and the other was the Dodge Nitro, and they couldn't be any different while in essence doing the same thing. While you can't exactly call the Nitro a crossover (ladder frame donated from the next generation Liberty, choice between 2WD and locked 4WD), its

The Vista Roof is one of the best features of the Edge. Once you've been inside one with it, there's no going back. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

complete lack of ground clearance, chunky body kit and massive wheels in R/T trim meant it was strictly a city ute'. The Edge, meanwhile, with its unibody Fusion-based chassis and automatic AWD sports such sophisticated lines and the most sparkling paint job that I would only dream of getting it as far as a planned campsite or cottage—definitely no roving into the wilderness with this one.

In an urban setting, both of these vehicles show their value withdistinctly different personalities. Where the Nitro is all pavement-pounding testosterone, the Edge exudes a graceful flair and feminine curves, yet it lacks for nothing in ability. In fact, it is all around a more capable vehicle, especially with automatic electronically controlled AWD always at the ready for mixed driving, a firm but settled ride, plus a high, commanding

Not much to look at, but the new Duratec 35 engine is powerful. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

seating position with 360-degree visibility.

Despite the Nitro R/T's bravado and bluster (it does sound badass), the Edge's 3.5L V6 is both more efficient and more sophisticated, with dual overhead cams, variable valve timing and it connects through to a six-speed automatic, a truly advanced powertrain that will soon become Ford's signature V6. In reality, it is as smooth as advertised in subdued driving, but the harder you push it the more likely it is to start groaning and braying anunpleasant chorus.

It does move along though, and the transmission is silky and good enough to not make me wonder about manual gear selection (it doesn't have it, in case you're wondering). The brakes are good, but they aren't good enough to make you think you're driving a compact SUV or any type of sedan, so while they work, you feel how hard they're working to bring this portly vehicle to a stop, which comes as a slight surprise after

Lots of chrome makes the roundish Edge a little like a disco ball. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

driving it around and getting the feel of its light, nimble manner through typical direction changes. Push it hard and it will bend and sway, which is altogether more comforting than the Nitro's exceedingly good grip and distinctly unfavorable balance—do I really need to explain what large amounts of grip and a high center of gravity going into a corner too quickly will combine to produce?

Anyhow, the driving experience in a vehicle like the Edge seems to be a lesser part of the equation. Yeah, it has to work and work smoothly to even be considered, but there are many vehicles on the market that meet those basic requirements.

What separates the Edge from the pack (what gives the Edge, its edge) is styling and convenience. Starting with the latter, it is a generous five seater, its wide body providing ample room for three wide bodies in the back if necessary and plenty of legroom for growing kids, gangly teens and even adults. In the case of our tester, the leather seats (with contrasting

It's a pretty bold vehicle, no matter the angle... including this rather wonky one. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

stitching) were as pleasing to look at as they were to sit in, and the entire interior was highly functional.

I was a little disappointed with materials quality, especially the hard, chintzy plastics covering the dash, and worse, a slippery door cover with sharp seams right at the base of the window—you'll find it easily if you roll the window down and rest your elbow on the nice, wide ledge.

Other plastics, like the buttons and controls for the stereo and climate control were standard Ford fare (good but not great), and the metallic center stack trim with a linear horizontal pattern was eye catching and a nice contrast to all the dark plastic and leather everywhere else.

There's nothing lackluster about the exterior, however, and it's got my vote for best Ford design (except for the F-150 Harley Davidson) currently on the market. As much as I like the Mustang, the Edge really moves the bar forward, and I can only hope they continue the trend with something along the lines of the Interceptor concept from the Detroit show.

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